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The average cost of airfare for international flights increased by 23 percent between 2009 and 2010. Domestic airfare rates within the US also rose 15 percent during the same period. With similarly steep price hikes on airfare expected to continue chipping away at travelers' budgets in the foreseeable future, penny-pinching tourists must search out new and more affordable destinations where their dollars go further. There are still many cheap places to travel, but you've got to venture slightly off the beaten path to find them.

Budapest, Hungary

The Hungarian capital of Budapest sits along the Danube River, skirting the westernmost fringes of Eastern Europe. Development in Budapest was stunted by WWII and the Cold War, but new life has emerged in the 21st century with Hungary joining the European Union and emerging as a viable tourist destination. Budapest boasts a slew of ancient cathedrals and churches as well as several castles and an elegant array of Turkish baths. Budapest also has a diverse nightlife scene and numerous museums. Many of the sights such as the stunning Citadel on Gellert Hill can be visited for free, and prices on everything from taxis to accommodations and meals are relatively low compared to the capitals of most European countries.

Arequipa, Peru

Situated beneath three volcanoes in the Andes Mountains of South America, the "white city" of Arequipa ranks as the second largest urban area in Peru. The old town center brims with ornate Spanish colonial architecture, and the surrounding countryside offers an enticing assortment of activities from mountain biking and hiking to white-water rafting and wildlife observation. The Peruvian capital of Lima and the town of Cusco near Machu Picchu have become increasingly expensive over the years, but Arequipa remains very affordable.

Cadiz, Spain

The Spanish port town of Cadiz lies on the southwestern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. Big cities in Spain such as Madrid and Barcelona have become just as expensive as London and Paris, but tiny Cadiz has retained its provincial charm and affordability. Rather than visiting the pricey Mediterranean beach resorts of Spain's costa del sol, consider the nearby town of Cadiz on the Atlantic. Moorish buildings dot the cobblestone alleys winding through the very town where Christopher Columbus set out on two of his epic voyages. Cadiz becomes more expensive during the second week of February when the town hosts one of the wildest Carnival celebrations in the world. All the same, it's well worth the extra cost to witness the masked processions and endless street parties.

Pittsburgh, United States

The US also has its fair share of budget travel destinations. One of the more noteworthy places to visit is Pittsburgh, which "Forbes Magazine" voted as the most livable city in the US for 2010. Theater and concert venues abound in the downtown cultural district. Across the river you'll find the stadiums where the Steelers and Pirates play. Pittsburgh also has an attractive zoo, an aquarium and a slew of top notch museums, including the Carnegie Science Center and the Andy Warhol Museum. Pittsburgh has finally freed itself of its smoggy steel-town image, emerging as a cheap and inviting destination for domestic and international travelers to explore.

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About the Author

David Thyberg began his writing career in 2007. He is a professional writer, editor and translator. Thyberg has been published in various newspapers, websites and magazines. He enjoys writing about social issues, travel, music and sports. Thyberg holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pittsburgh Honors College with a certificate in Spanish and Latin American studies.